Papua New Guinea - Economic sectors

Papua New Guinea is heavily dependent on the development of its natural
resources. Its rich mineral deposits make the country a leading world
supplier of gold and copper. Mining began on a large scale in the 1970s
and rapidly surpassed agriculture as the largest source of export
earnings. However, the mining industry is concentrated in a few areas
and does not employ many people. Most of the population still depends on
subsistence

agriculture for its livelihood. The manufacturing and service sectors
remain extremely small in comparison. In 1999, agriculture represented
25 percent of GDP, industry represented 35 percent, and services 40
percent. Papua New Guinea's mineral-based economy is subject to
world market fluctuations in commodity demand and prices.